How the United States Was Established

The American Revolution was a political movement in the Thirteen Colonies. It eventually created the sovereign United States.

In 1765, representatives convened the Stamp Act Congress in New York City. New York City hosted the complaints.

New Jersey let property-owning widows vote.

In December 1773, colonists disguised as American Indians dumped taxed tea into Boston Harbor. Parliament responded with punitive laws.

The Second Continental Congress created the Continental Army in 1775.

On July 4, 1776, Congress unanimously adopted the Declaration of Independence. Thomas Jefferson largely drafted it.

Washington captured a British army at the Siege of Yorktown on September 28, 1781. This victory led to negotiations.

The Constitution took effect in 1789, establishing a federal republic based on universal natural rights.